Scarab Beetles were popular amulets in Ancient Egypt. According to ancient Egyptian myths, Ra, the sun God rolls across the sky each day and transforms bodies and souls. The scarab, or dung beetle,which rolls dung into a ball for the purposes of eating and laying eggs that are later transformed into larva, was seen as an earthly symbol of this heavenly cycle.
They were used as amulets, talismans, jewelry types, or gifts of affection.
see also The new Scarab pendant by Mercurious Designs in sterling silver